Royal Challengers Bengaluru Capsule Preview: Headache of plenty awaits RCB in title challenge
For a team packed with match winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s ability to bungle momentum has been legendary across the aisles of the Indian Premier League and the Women’s Premier League. In the 2025 edition of the WPL, RCB’s title defence tapered off quite soon, with a spree of losses derailing early promise.
The side opted to retain a solid batting core in skipper Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and Richa Ghosh. But Perry’s late withdrawal for personal reasons throws a spanner in the works for a batting lineup that often depended on the veteran Australian for stability and spectacle. It was later revealed that the side accounted for the eventuality in the auction, where it amassed quite a formidable squad.
Here’s a quick look at how the squad has shaped up ahead of WPL 2026:
ALSO READ | Buoyed by RCB’s backing, rejuvenated Shreyanka Patil raring to go again
STRENGTHS
The 2024 champion enters the new season stacked with an international pedigree, underlined by as many as nine players who featured in last year’s ODI World Cup. It is a new-look side in parts, with power-hitters like South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk and Australian stars Grace Harris and Georgia Voll bolstering a batting group, where Richa Ghosh provides the finishing punch.
The addition of established India internationals such as Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy and Pooja Vastrakar gives head coach Malolan Rangarajan tactical depth across departments. England’s Linsey Smith, who impressed with her attacking left-arm spin during the 50-over World Cup, could play a key role as RCB’s frontline spinner in the PowerPlay.
WEAKNESSES
RCB’s struggle to close out tight games remains a concern. Last season, it lost five straight matches, including a final-ball defeat and a Super Over loss, exposing a recurring issue under pressure. There is also an opening slot puzzle alongside Smriti Mandhana, with Harris, Voll and Dayalan Hemalatha all in contention, pointing to early experimentation before the best XI settles.
Uncertainty over the fitness of Pooja Vastrakar and Shreyanka Patil adds to the unease. That has been compounded by Perry’s withdrawal for personal reasons, a significant blow, with Sayali Satghare named as her replacement.
PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR – NADINE DE KLERK
De Klerk’s ODI World Cup performances, which helped South Africa reach its maiden final, make her a key player to watch. While she offers useful overs with the ball, her primary value lies in her power-hitting. Rescue knocks against India (84 off 54) and Bangladesh (37 off 29) showcased her ability to change games late, and her finishing skills could prove decisive in turning close contests in RCB’s favour.
ALSO READ | Kapp backs Jemimah as Delhi Capitals captain ahead of WPL 2026
SQUAD FOR WPL 2026
Smriti Mandhana (C), Richa Ghosh, Sayali Satghare, Shreyanka Patil, Georgia Voll, Nadine de Klerk, Radha Yadav, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith, Prema Rawat, Arundhati Reddy, Pooja Vastrakar, Grace Harris, Gautami Naik, Prathyoosha Kumar, D. Hemalatha
Published on Jan 08, 2026
